Gonarezhou Self-Catering Accommodation

Our Mananga Camps are a unique blend of local Shangaan Culture and modern luxuries, designed to be unique, comfortable and low impact. Named Mananga by the ladies who built them and meaning “a place in the wilderness”, the camps are designed to bring together three critical elements of conservation – communities, sustainability and tourism. The camps are made almost entirely by hand using recycled and natural materials and are rebuilt each year by a team of skilled artisans from the local communities around Gonarezhou. Containing almost no cement, no landscaping and built into their natural environment, the camps have an extremely light footprint and would all but disappear without the regular attention of the Mananga ladies, recruited and trained by GCT, who manage and maintain the camps.

Our Manangas are the perfect blend between the comfort of a chalet and the adventure of camping, giving you the luxuries of a hot “bush” (bucket) shower, a comfortable king-size bed and the raw experience of an open campfire under the stars in the central boma area. Each of the three Mananga Camps in the Park is designed similar to a traditional safari camp, but are booked exclusively, with four-bedroom units and a central kitchen/dining/boma area.

Our Masasani Mananga was the first “prototype” of the Mananga Camps in Gonarezhou. Developed at the old Masasanya Camp at the Masasanya Dam, just 15 minutes from the main Chipinda Pools gate, the Masasani Mananga provides a first-class wildlife experience. The camp is completely unfenced.

Mathuli Mananga is framed by the towering trees that famously grow along the Mwenezi River. Built by local Shangaan artisans and informed by traditional cultural design shapes, colours, textures and approaches, Mathuli has specialness to it- its exclusivity and the feeling of being all on your own.

The Chipinda Pools Tented Camp has long been a favourite amongst visitors to the north of Gonarezhou National Park.  Located just 10 minutes from the Chipinda Pools entrance and set on the banks of the Runde River, the camp is the perfect base from which to start your adventure in Gonarezhou.  Whether you are a keen birder, a fisherman or just enjoy the space and wilderness, the tented camp is your perfect base. The riverine area, where the tents are located, is home to some unique bird species and is also frequented by both bush buck, nyala, often seen from your own verandah. The river is set just below the camp and fishermen may purchase a fishing license upon entry, allowing them to fish in front of the camp (without disturbing other guests).

There are four tents in total, all fully equipped, with king-size or twin beds, a small kitchenette with a 90L camping fridge, en-suite bathroom and a braai area.

Swimuwini Lodges overlooks the epic sweep of the Mwenezi River, fondly known as Buffalo Bend. Swimuwini in the local dialect means “place of the Baobabs”, the place offers a touch of modern luxury in the wild. Swimuwini lodges offer a unique experience for your Gonarezhou adventure, exploring the incredible landscape that surrounds the lodge.

It is the only place in the Park where we have constructed lodges comfortably appointed. The Swimuwini chalets are fully contained and serviced, self-catering units found in the southern section of the Park, making them an ideal accommodation for those who are not fully kitted out with camping equipment or those who wish for a comfortable landing after a long drive. Some units are wheelchair friendly.

There are 8 lodges in total- 6 x 2 bedrooms and 2 x 1 bedroom.